Synthesis of single cell protein from C1-derived dihydroxyacetone by Candida utilis

Abstract

Yeast single cell protein (SCP) is a nutritious protein supplement of artificial feed and food. It is expected that yeast cells grow on nonfood feedstocks instead of agricultural sugars for synthesizing high-quality proteins. Herein, the protein content and quality of the edible yeast Candida utilis were investigated on utilizing ability of carbon and nitrogen sources. We found that dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a feedstock that can be chemically or enzymatically generated from one-carbon (C1) compounds such as methane, methanol and even CO₂, was comparable with glucose but superior to acetate for C. utilis protein production. The essential amino acid score (EAAS) of DHA-cultured C. utilis protein not only met FAO/WHO (2013) standard, but also surpassed that of benchmark soybean and fish feed. Fed-batch fermentation of C. utilis utilizing DHA feedstock in a 5 L fermenter performed a growth rate of 1.3 g DCW L⁻¹ h⁻¹ and a total of 34.8 g L⁻¹ biomass with the protein content of 60.1% DW, validating scale-up production. This work highlights that C. utilis SCP derived from low-carbon source is a high-quality protein for advancing sustainable feed and food supply.

Keywords

Single cell protein / Dihydroxyacetone / Candida utilis / C1 conversion / Edible yeast / Amino acid score / Biological Sciences / Biochemistry and Cell Biology

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(22088102)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Jiangnan University